tortoiseshell

noun tor·toise·shell \ ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel , -əsh-ˌshel \

|Updated on: 23 Jul 2018

Definition of tortoiseshell

1 : the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2 or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

See tortoiseshell defined for English-language learners

See tortoiseshell defined for kids

Recent Examples of tortoiseshell from the Web

There are records of Japanese men sheathing their penises with primitive condoms made of stuff like leather (erotic) and tortoiseshell (no thanks).

— carolyn todd, Allure, "The History and Evolution of Birth Control in America," 12 July 2018
The features editor looked like a young Virginia Woolf in tortoiseshell glasses.

— thomas swick, Longreads, "Letters from Trenton," 5 July 2018
The Dipsea splits the difference with a classic keyhole nose shape and a tortoiseshell frame, while the amber lenses are pure performance: certified UVA/B polarized protection.

— ben fox, Outside Online, "6 Style Upgrades From Huckberry's Summer Catalog," 19 June 2018
Her classic tortoiseshell sunglasses from Finlay London Percy were her eyewear of choice for her first official appearance with Prince Harry, at the Invictus Games in Toronto in September 2017.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "Queen Elizabeth Underwent Surgery Last Month — and It Explains Why She’s Been Wearing Sunglasses," 8 June 2018
He was built like a wrestler and dressed in business casual: a sky-blue polo shirt, gray slacks and round tortoiseshell glasses.

— vanessa grigoriadis, New York Times, "The ‘Sex Cult’ That Preached Empowerment," 30 May 2018
Men can update their look by choosing trousers with tapered legs, leather shoes with double monk straps rather than laces, and contemporary glasses with tortoiseshell or colorful transparent frames.

— sue shellenbarger, WSJ, "In a Digital Era, How Can Older Workers Stay in the Game?," 22 May 2018
The tortoiseshell finish of the side table adds a layer of pattern.

— marni elyse katz, BostonGlobe.com, "Lively green walls make a dramatic bedroom backdrop," 27 Apr. 2018
Pippa Middleton has left Kensington Palace in a baby pink coat, pink turtle neck and brown tortoiseshell sunglasses.

— rachel epstein, Marie Claire, "Here's Everyone Who Has Already Visited the New Royal Baby," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tortoiseshell

1632

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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tortoiseshell

adjective

Definition of tortoiseshell

1 : made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring

tortoiseshell glasses

2 : of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Recent Examples of tortoiseshell from the Web

Matchett also produces tortoiseshell hair accessories and has expanded into silver and gold stainless steel hoops too.

— emily farra, Vogue, "Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping With This Line of Pretty, Affordable Tortoiseshell Earrings," 1 Nov. 2017
He was dressed casually but crisply, tortoiseshell glasses framing his face and a giant analog watch devouring his right wrist.

— jesse lichtenstein, New York Times, "A Whimsical Wordsmith Charts a Course Beyond Twitter," 15 June 2017

First Known Use of tortoiseshell

1651

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

TORTOISESHELL Defined for English Language Learners

tortoiseshell

noun

Definition of tortoiseshell for English Language Learners

: the usually brown and yellow shell of a turtle that is used to make decorations
: a cat with yellow, orange, white, and black fur
: a usually brown and orange butterfly

TORTOISESHELL Defined for Kids

tortoiseshell

noun tor·toise·shell \ ˈtȯr-təs-ˌshel \

Definition of tortoiseshell for Students

1 : a hard brown and yellow material that covers the shell of a sea tortoise used especially in the past for ornamental objects

2 : a brightly colored butterfly

Learn More about tortoiseshell

See words that rhyme with tortoiseshell Spanish Central: Translation of tortoiseshell Nglish: Translation of tortoiseshell for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tortoiseshell

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tortoiseshell

Definition of tortoiseshell

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First Known Use of tortoiseshell

tortoiseshell

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TORTOISESHELL Defined for English Language Learners

tortoiseshell

Definition of tortoiseshell for English Language Learners

TORTOISESHELL Defined for Kids

tortoiseshell

Definition of tortoiseshell for Students

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tortoiseshell

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First Known Use of tortoiseshell

TORTOISESHELL Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of tortoiseshell for English Language Learners

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Definition of tortoiseshell for Students

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